How To Read The Tarot: Part 7

Updated on September 12, 2009

The last 16 cards are Court Cards representing King, Queen, Pages and Knights. These cards influence the inquirer's environment directly as: family, friends, lovers, co-workers, community, neighbors and so on. Also, these court cards can also suggest and refer to the inquirer's ideas.

If the Court Cards appear in the inquirer's spread, the following should be noted:

~The event can occur at the time of the astrological sign of the Court Card.

~ Information will be received by the inquirer from an individual with the same element as the Court Card.

~The Court Card and surrounding information is for someone around the inquirer and not necessarily directly relating to the inquirer. As an example: The inquirer's family member may show up in the spread and messages may be directly for them.

King and Queen: Usually 36 years of age and older. While Kings represent father figures or authority figures, wisdom and experience, Queens represent mother image, authority figure, maturity, nurturing and understanding. Remember the suite of any one Court Card could also be representing the inquirer at the time of the reading.

Knight: Age 25 to 35. Knights are messengers in the Tarot. They can represent a male or female and when the card is upright the message is positive, reversed meaning if showing itself upside down.

Pages: Age 1 to 24. Representing various stages of growth and experience. They represent some news, message for the inquirer and also have someone around them represented by the Court Card.

NOTE: Although ruled by a certain astrological sign, all other elements within that suit is also possible. For example, if the Queen of Wands shows up in the spread, she may be a Leo but could also be 2 other fire signs: Aries, Sagittarius.

King of Knight

Ruled by Aries (March 21 - April 20)

*This King represents high energy, independence, influence and an authority in business. Ambitious with executive talents and leadership qualities. He makes for a loyal friend who would do anything for those close to him. He loves to entertain and is social active.

When this King appears it can also mean there is a potential for inheritance, or some money (unearned) coming to the inquirer. Also, bringing good news related to love and/or business.

King of Cups

Ruled by: Cancer (June 22 to July 23)

A very caring, emotional, sometimes moody man who enjoys his home. Family and cooking (!) fills his heart when in a positive frame of mind. He is interested in anything home related (products), food, the arts and science. With a great intuitive ability he is able to navigate through life with a quite powerful strength. He knows he is guided and uses his own judgement when moving forward in life. He is not impulsive.

When this card appears there may be someone around the inquirer who is of this suit. There could be good news of a possible partnership upcoming, or working with this King in some way. He will be helpful to the inquirer. This King also suggests the inquirer or someone they know can be in the military.

Messages concerning love is positive!

King of Pentacles/Coins

Ruled by: Taurus (April 21 to May 21)

This King is a great financial advisor, practical and a steady, grounded worker. A solid citizen without the emotional disharmony that can plague other suits. The King is successful, most likely an entrepreneur who is helpful to friends and family. Appreciates beauty through his sense of taste, touch, vision, feel and sound.

The inquirer may be liaising with this King for the following reasons: Family relations, a banker, owner of a company, real estate or other industry. Inquirer may be liaising with this King who can help him/her.

King of Swords

Ruled by: Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

A professional man who may be a lawyer, a judge, may own a business, be a C.E.O or is in the Military. He has mental dexterity and makes a great counselor. Although there can be a lot of nervous energy around this man he is discriminating, with many people around him. He is not sentimental.

This King may be or come into the inquirer's life to help or to create some upheaval. See where this King lands in the spread. Overall, there will be a reason this King has come into the inquirer's life (if not a family member) in which case there will be some sort of business at hand.

Queen of Wands

Ruled by: Leo (July 24 to August 23)

This Queen desires success in work, love and social activities. A social woman who can be a positive advisor. An authority figure, ambitious and ego driven to shine in her endeavors. When reversed, this Queen can be controlling, unloving, peevish and no fun to be with. Her business practices can be dishonest.

If this Queen appears in the spread see if the inquirer knows someone close to them of this suit. This Queen can help the inquirer earn a living in some way. Or, can be a love partner around them or coming in.

Queen of Cups

Ruled by: Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

This Queen is involved with love and emotions. Very protective, controlling and intense when involved with those close to her. A sexual woman with powerful insights through intuition and/or psychic impressions. She can be a good friend or an implacable enemy. She is secretive and possessive.

This Queen may be around the inquirer as a family member, friend or coworker who can provide much needed insight. Or, may represent a new love for the inquirer.

Queen of Pentacles/Coins

Ruled by: Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

This Queen is involved with making money and also health matters. She is a natural idealist and a good planner. Seeking perfection, she can be critical.

This Card can indicate potential for pregnancy, sexual focus or gifts being offered by family or friends. She can also come into the inquirer's life as a new partner (romantic or business)

Queen of Swords

Ruled by: Libra (September 24 - October 23)

This Queen is associated with problems and troubles. Often a widow or divorced woman or single and career oriented. Temperamental, sharp-tongued and strong willed. She needs to be in relationships because she is a sign of partnership, or marriage. There is also indecision with this Queen that can lead to difficulties making decisions.

When this card appears there may also be legal issues around the inquirer, in some way. Also, a woman who can give you facts and help you in business matters. But, she will expect something in return. Also, this Queen can come around the inquirer due to love.

Knight of Wands

Ruled by: Leo

This messenger brings information regarding work and social activities. Good news relating to work, a trip planned or change of residence. Happy events upcoming. Reversed shows the opposite effects - delays, frustration or a canceled trip.

Knight of Cups

Ruled by: Scorpio

This Knight brings news concerning love and emotions. An invitation to a party, event or function where the inquirer's spirits will be lifted and emotionally exuberant time! His messages are intense and they refer to a close relationship or some family matter. New travel plans with a friend or lover.

Knight of Pentacles/Coins

Ruled by: Taurus

Messages from this Knight brings communications involving money. Good news about a project, business plan, assignments, or other goals pertaining to work. Good news also can follow around money received (like inheritance), real estate or other valuable goods. Money will be repaid by a friend. Could also be a salary increase in work. Also, this card can represent hard work and a time of new beginnings in work which will require slow, patient, and steady planning/effort. Well worth doing!

Knight of Swords

Ruled by: Aquarius

There could be some worry or disappointing news when this Knight appears. Usually to do with family and/or close friends. Conflict, anger, and feelings of frustration may plague the inquirer. There could also be a visit to the doctor, lawyer, or the inquirer will pass an examination of some sort. It's not a lasting time of upset but the inquirer will have some anxiety and worry about any one matter - as it arises. Could well mean a new love partner for the inquirer or that there is some association with someone in the Army, Navy, Marines.

Page of Wands

Ruled by: Sagittarius

There appears to be some kind of good news coming to the inquirer in matter of 3 days/weeks. International travel or an international connection will be made. All things foreign (meeting foreign people, education abroad) will be very lucky and beneficial for the inquirer. Could be news of someone else around the inquirer who is going abroad. Overall, action is the aim and goal of this Page. Good news in social or work experiences. If reversed, un-welcomed news.

Page of Cups

Ruled by: Pisces

This Page brings heightened emotional tidings! Love and emotions rule this Page's messages concerning births, weddings, engagements, parties, functions and other ceremonial events. Good news and/or heightened emotional times ahead. There could also be some young person around the inquirer who is highly emotional, sensitive, or may have alcohol/drug problems. See if this could also be the case with the inquirer.

Page of Pentacles/Coins

Ruled by: Capricorn

The qualities and characteristics of this Page is one of materialism, ambition, and tradition. This young person may use others for their own gain. Goal oriented, and possibly embarking upon a new career, new plans being formulated.

Good news concerning money and/or health matters. As well, the inquirer should be working smarter not harder! New plans in their infancy but will work out nicely if the inquirer has any concerns. Slow and steady progress.

Page of Swords

Ruled by: Aquarius

A Page who deals with problems and troubles, or who initiates them. Looking for novel experiences, new knowledge and meeting new people. At this stage, there is a naïve, extroverted and unconventional individual who will probably create some kind of strife.

The inquirer may come to face a few obstacles which may cause some worry and anxiety. But they do have the mental fortitude to overcome the obstacles as this Page is saying that it is temporary. It could also mean the inquirer is causing undue mental anguish upon themselves, or there will be some news of someone around them who will cause some disturbance. It's a fleeting time, and things/situations will be resolved. Make the effort and make use of energy in a positive productive way.

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As a practitioner, I am always looking for new ways to help people, help themselves. Learning and studying ancient methods of healing is especially interesting to me. From Oriental Medicine to Polynesian Medicine...

Comments 5 comments

OK, I am not an expert in this arena. However, I am "bold." Given I keep "bumping" into "interesting" people, I do not understand what I know. I would think that after one is 'accustomed" to reading Tarot, they would "graduate" to a full intuitive... and not need the cards. Am I correct?

LilianEden 6 years ago Author

Cards are a way to enter the 'sub-conscious mind'. There is the logical way to approach the cards - to understand the symbols of each card. Then, there is a subconscious connection which streams in the ethers. The later 'thought' opens up your psychic impressions once you understand how. So, for beginners, they will want to utilize their 'rational' minds upon learning 'how to read' the cards. Once recognized and upon utilizing the cards with what I call 'the process' (psychic observation), a whole new world opens up. This is why advanced students or professionals can still utilize the Tarot. When I give information to people, I sometimes see a card pop into my head. I then understand how this fits into the stream of information coming through. Again, so much to say on the process of how to engage with the cards and also, how to give a sound reading. I hope this helps you! Again, it's like trying to describe what 'cheese' tastes like. You simply have to try it to understand fully. This applies to the art of reading Tarot Cards. XX!

gerard71powell 6 years ago from Glasbury, UK

Very complete hub you have here. I'm going to tell my friend about this. Thanks!

LilianEden 6 years ago Author

Thank you gerard71powell! Have a great holiday season coming up! With love,